The Best Ski Resorts for Beginners

Standing at the top of the mountain while taking in the spectacular views and breathing in the fresh, alpine air is a feeling like no other.

When enjoying this sight and watching people zoom by on skis and snowboards, it is easy for beginners to get ahead of themselves. They may not have all the necessary skills just yet, but they can already envision themselves speeding down the mountain like Lindsay Vonn or Bode Miller.

If you’re planning a ski holiday with beginners soon, it’s wise to play it safe by choosing a resort that is appropriate for novice levels, where there are plenty of gentle, easy slopes. This way, no matter how cocky your beginner skier, you can rest assured they won’t risk injury by heading out onto a slope that’s a bit too adventurous for their ability.

Here is a selection of the best ski resorts for beginners:

If you’re looking for a ski resort that offers that little bit extra, you can’t go wrong with Avoriaz. Travelling with beginners means having to count on the fact that they may not be as excited about skiing as you. This is especially true for younger skiers, who quickly lose motivation when they don’t feel they are advancing and would much rather fly down the slopes with their older siblings and friends.

Avoriaz, located in the heart of Portes du Soleil, is equipped with ample green and blue runs as well as nursery slopes and snow parks to keep these skiers engaged. Should your beginner skiers want a break from the slopes for a day or two, there is no shortage of other activities for them to enjoy in between skiing sessions. For example, the Aquariaz water park, spas and the cinema.

With more than 425km to cover at La Plagne, you can rest assured that your whole group of skiers will get plenty of time on the slopes. It may not be the most impressive resort in terms of style and architecture, but if all you’re looking for is an adventurous winter-sport holiday, that shouldn’t matter too much.

There are various blues and greens to choose from, making this resort ideal for beginners and intermediates. If you decide to rent a chalet with VIP SKI, you’ll be happy to know that the button lift leading up to the nursery slopes can be seen from your window. So, you will always be able to keep an eye out on your youngest, most novice skiers.

Perched 3,226m high in the French Alps is Les Arcs, a vast, snow-sure region that boasts an expansive 435km worth of pistes. The resort is made of four separate villages, the newest of which is Arc 1950. It sits a bit further down the slopes at, as the name suggests, 1,950m, but you’ll still have convenient access to the resort’s wider ski area and the village’s inviting amenities.

The ski area at Les Arcs caters to all abilities, boasting 150 beginner-friendly pistes for first time skiers to explore. There’s plenty of high-altitude blue runs to try and even a large beginner zone in the upper village of Arc 2000. This can easily be accessed via the free Cabriolet gondola from the centre of Arc 1950. You can also use an excellent beginners’ enclosure if you’re booked into the ESF ski school.

Val d’Isère is located in the same region as Arc 1950 and is regarded as one of the best resorts in the world thanks to its near-endless skiing area. The resort itself sits at 1,850m, although much of the skiing is above the 2,300m mark, which can easily be reached thanks to the highly-advanced lift system used here.

Although it's considered a playground for advanced skiers, there are certainly plenty of options for those still breaking in their ski boots, so you won’t have to worry about anyone feeling left out. There are 91 beginner pistes in total, including nursery slopes where novices can progress quickly and safely. One is in the resort centre and another in La Daille.

When ready for a break, they can wander into the resort's charming village, where they’ll find traditional alpine architecture.

If you are planning a ski holiday for beginners check out our advice on ski schools, equipment hire and when to go, then give the VIP SKI team a call.  You could be just a phone call away from the holiday of your dreams.

Alternatively, send an enquiry via email or webchat to check our availability, or simply request a callback. Our enthusiastic experts are ready and waiting to answer all your questions and find you the perfect break.